Sonic Rush

 DS
  • Publisher: Sega
  • Release Date: Nov 15, 2005
User Score
8.1

Generally favorable reviews- based on 206 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 162 out of 206
  2. Mixed: 30 out of 206
  3. Negative: 14 out of 206
Buy Now
Buy on

Review this game

  1. Your Score
    0 out of 10
    Rate this:
    • 10
    • 9
    • 8
    • 7
    • 6
    • 5
    • 4
    • 3
    • 2
    • 1
    • 0
    • 0
  1. Submit
  2. Check Spelling
view
per page
  1. Krossbone
    Jan 29, 2020
    10
    Sonic Rush. This game defined a generation. The 90's kids had Sonic 3 & Knuckles, but the kids of the 2000s had Sonic Rush as THEIR 2D game. And what a glorious game it is to hold that title.

    This game is what truly introduced the boost mechanic, and did so in a 2D environment. It completely evolved the Classic Sonic formula and made it something modern. Being able to preform tricks, an    Sonic Rush. This game defined a generation. The 90's kids had Sonic 3 & Knuckles, but the kids of the 2000s had Sonic Rush as THEIR 2D game. And what a glorious game it is to hold that title.

    This game is what truly introduced the boost mechanic, and did so in a 2D environment. It completely evolved the Classic Sonic formula and made it something modern. Being able to preform tricks, an amazing story arc for the newly introduced Blaze the Cat, just genuine fun.
    Easily the best Sonic game of all time and definitely worth you picking up.    … Expand
  2. MarlonB.
    Oct 14, 2008
    9
    Hands down this game has revolutionized the Sonic franchise! When I played Sonic Advance I thought "hey, this isnt half bad" Then the sequels which truly made me feel like a bad ass with the incredible speed they brought, but that NOTHING compared to what Sonic Rush brought! Take the speed of Sonic Advance, multiply that by "holy pepperoni?!" & you got Sonic Rush. It aint called Sonic Hands down this game has revolutionized the Sonic franchise! When I played Sonic Advance I thought "hey, this isnt half bad" Then the sequels which truly made me feel like a bad ass with the incredible speed they brought, but that NOTHING compared to what Sonic Rush brought! Take the speed of Sonic Advance, multiply that by "holy pepperoni?!" & you got Sonic Rush. It aint called Sonic Rush for no reason. But Speed isnt the only thing this game brought, the tricks (oh the tricks!!) now that is the milk in my cereal! In the game when you jump or you're on a rail you gotta do tricks. Its simpler than it sounds, a simple press of the b, a, or r button. but of course these tricks have a purpose, the more you do, the more your rush meter fills. Now you can be boring & speed Sonic up the advance way (run till the after images show up) or you can use your tricks to your advantage press y or x and RUSH to get an instant speed boost! this with the amazing level design makes Sonic Rush an instant classic. there parts of the level though where you jump & you're doing your tricks and all of a sudden an enemy is there to ruin your combo, but they're easily ignorable. the game has its minor flawss though but again, they're minor but are what prevented the game from getting that perfect score. for example, the boss fights. they're either very easy or extremely irritating. the fact that I can only hit the boss when he (or she, blaze) is in position really makes it slow paced, and if i miss, i gotta wait till he's in position again, ugh! and then there is blaze. nothing really terrible about her but if you ask me, seems like she is begginer oriented with her no bonus levels, slower speed yet superior aerial abilities which really makes versus mode unbalanced. foix that and this would be a perfect game. Sonic Rush is most definitely a must have for ANY sonic fan!!!… Expand
  3. krazeeKidd102
    Apr 20, 2011
    8
    Sonic Rush is a great game. It's fast, exhilerating, and action-packed with a trick system to refill your boost gauge. Many old-school fans would dislike the game for its linear level design and focus on speed, but I honestly like it regardless and I believe any casual gamer will adore it as well.

    However, it does have a list of problems besides that. Most of it involves a heavy    Sonic Rush is a great game. It's fast, exhilerating, and action-packed with a trick system to refill your boost gauge. Many old-school fans would dislike the game for its linear level design and focus on speed, but I honestly like it regardless and I believe any casual gamer will adore it as well.

    However, it does have a list of problems besides that. Most of it involves a heavy emphasis on bottomless pits and poor enemy placement. There are times where they just put enemies right on the track in front of you, where you are going too fast to react. The boost does it best to alleviate the problem (considering that you're invincible when you use it), but then it leads to the bottomless pit problem, where you would speed right off a ledge and land on a falling platform with no time for a first-time reaction and ending up falling to your death. Levels like Altitude Limit will easily frustrate. You can easily avoid these problems by learning the level layout as you play, but that doesn't change the fact that the problem's still there.

    Nevertheless, it's fun and interactive. Definetely worth taking a look at.    … Expand
  4. GoombaJMR
    Jan 12, 2014
    9
    This is platforming to the most extreme level. The game's many long levels have been crafted perfectly to give you a real "rush" like feeling. The basic story may only take you 8-12 hours to beat, but the story isnt really over then. If you do something (can't say), then something will happen, greatly extending the hours to play, and you won't get bored with it! The multiplayer is alsoThis is platforming to the most extreme level. The game's many long levels have been crafted perfectly to give you a real "rush" like feeling. The basic story may only take you 8-12 hours to beat, but the story isnt really over then. If you do something (can't say), then something will happen, greatly extending the hours to play, and you won't get bored with it! The multiplayer is also amazing as you get to race around with your friend, very rush-like! I highly recommend this game to all sonic and platformer fans!!!

    Gameplay: 10/10
    Story: 8.5/10
    Music: 9/10
    Presentation: 9/10
    Length: 9/10
    Overall: 9.5/10    … Expand
  5. PringleDringus
    Mar 13, 2015
    10
    Of all the sonic platformers I've played, this is the one I've had the most fun with. The controls, gameplay graphics, and music (especially the music) are all fantastic. While the level design may not be perfect for the same reason most sonic games aren't (taking damage or falling down a pit due to something you couldn't react to or properly see), the fact that the game is very forgivingOf all the sonic platformers I've played, this is the one I've had the most fun with. The controls, gameplay graphics, and music (especially the music) are all fantastic. While the level design may not be perfect for the same reason most sonic games aren't (taking damage or falling down a pit due to something you couldn't react to or properly see), the fact that the game is very forgiving combined with the fact the game takes an effort to properly prepare you for life or death sequences keeps the frustration at minimum; blasting through the levels can be incredibly fun and satisfying. On top of that, this game has some of the best bosses in a platformer I've ever encountered. They're all very well designed, and while the game is guilty of one or two palette swaps, the bosses themselves don't suffer because of it.
    All in all, if you're a fan of platformers or sonic in general, you definitely won't be disappointed. While it's not the longest game, it's fun the whole way through. Definitely give it a shot if you're interested.    … Expand
  6. wegie125
    Dec 17, 2017
    6
    I've actually never like sonic games in general, there has been a very few selection of sonic games that I have liked and obviously there are reasons for that. The sonic games don't have the best reputation and they definitely don't offer much according to many critics. They have tried so much in so many different directions that it feels like sonic is dead. Many people believe that thereI've actually never like sonic games in general, there has been a very few selection of sonic games that I have liked and obviously there are reasons for that. The sonic games don't have the best reputation and they definitely don't offer much according to many critics. They have tried so much in so many different directions that it feels like sonic is dead. Many people believe that there weren't any good sonic games after the first few sonic games but nobody actually talks about this one and I believe it's because it was pretty much smack in the middle of other games. It wasn't amazing but it also wasn't bad, it offered some entertainment but it wasn't always consistent. It was fun though and I feel people leave it out for that reason.… Expand
  7. Untitled94
    Oct 5, 2017
    7
    I actually wasn't a huge fan of Sonic Rush, but I still kind of like it. The graphics weren't the best, even for DS graphics, and the soundtrack is one of the worst in the series (the worst being the Water Palace music). But the game feels like a Sonic game for the most part. I do still like playing it time to time, but there's other Sonic games I prefer over this one.
  8. JPK
    Aug 19, 2018
    9
    Great DS Game
    Sonic Rush Is Another Worthy Sonic Game That Has All The Humor And Likableness To It.
  9. Happymonk
    Jan 24, 2012
    8
    Sonic Rush showcases the awesomeness of the DS rather well, with fast-paced sonic awesomeness taking place over both screens. I haven't played a Sonic game on a Nintendo Handheld that I haven't enjoyed. It isn't fantastic, just great. Where it succeeds is the gameplay and difficulty, very good. But where it fails is in level design and music. The levels are mostly good, but there are oneSonic Rush showcases the awesomeness of the DS rather well, with fast-paced sonic awesomeness taking place over both screens. I haven't played a Sonic game on a Nintendo Handheld that I haven't enjoyed. It isn't fantastic, just great. Where it succeeds is the gameplay and difficulty, very good. But where it fails is in level design and music. The levels are mostly good, but there are one or two that aren't so great and the game contains what is quite possibly the most annoying soundtrack I've ever heard on the DS. But, it is great and Blaze isn't actually that bad, maybe a tad pointless, but not that bad.… Expand
  10. DavidCharlton
    May 16, 2009
    6
    The stages are entertaining and harken back to the old Sonic style we know and love, but the polygonal 3D boss fights are often tedious, cheap and frustrating, with the boss of the aircraft carrier stage Huge Crisis and the penultimate "unknown" zone being the worst offenders and as fun as the levels are, they lack any of the flare and magic that made the original Mega Drive series soThe stages are entertaining and harken back to the old Sonic style we know and love, but the polygonal 3D boss fights are often tedious, cheap and frustrating, with the boss of the aircraft carrier stage Huge Crisis and the penultimate "unknown" zone being the worst offenders and as fun as the levels are, they lack any of the flare and magic that made the original Mega Drive series so compulsively replayable.

    Another complaint I have is regarding the bonus stages which you are required to complete as Sonic in order to obtain the chaos emeralds. They play out like the half-pipe special stages from Sonic 2 and Sonic 3D Blast, only you control Sonic using the DS stylus, which feels twitchy and unresponsive at best and is particularly problematic later on as the stages get more difficult.

    I'd go so far as to say that you're better off playing Sonic Unleashed. Even the disastrous Sonic '06 had tonnes more replay value than this game. If you hate playing 3D Sonic games, then my advice is to stick with the classics from Sonic's heyday. The reason they are remembered so fondly is because of their lasting appeal. Sonic Rush has none of this.

    Of course it's not all bad. Sonic Rush features some gorgeous 2D graphics even does its best to make use of the DS's primitive 3D capabilities. It's often a great pleasure to blast through such pleasant, colourful levels and I'm happy to say that adrenaline-pumped speed rarely lets up. The levels feature a nice balance of breakneck speed and interactivity, without compromising either (which is part of what made the daytime levels in Unleashed so much fun). The soundtrack is very reminiscent of Jet Set Radio and , depending on your inclination, will either sound fun and catchy or cloying and dated. I must say I enjoyed it though.

    So in conclusion, I would recommend this game to any Sonic fan who owns a DS, but don't set your expectations too high. Sonic still has a long way to go before he can recapture his previous glory.    … Expand
  11. P.Scott
    Jul 12, 2006
    4
    Really disappointing. I know I'm the only person on the planet who thinks this, but Sega seem to have put most of their time into the graphics and nothing else. The voices and music are terrible and the zones suck. The only good things are the boss battles. It looks like it was made just to shove a Sonic game onto DS, and to try and make him look cool. Avoid this, and get the Really disappointing. I know I'm the only person on the planet who thinks this, but Sega seem to have put most of their time into the graphics and nothing else. The voices and music are terrible and the zones suck. The only good things are the boss battles. It looks like it was made just to shove a Sonic game onto DS, and to try and make him look cool. Avoid this, and get the original Sonic Advance.… Expand
  12. RobL.
    Nov 20, 2005
    3
    No touch screen control. Lots of holding right Bad Level design Bad enemy placements Very gimmicky Terrible voice acting and soundtrack The only good bits are the bosses especially the zone 3 boss.
  13. SuperKurzacz
    Apr 26, 2012
    9
    This is totality one of the best ds games because this game just has it all great storyline kind of good graphics and there are also two ways to play sonic and blaze and this is the main point of the game the two different characters to play as.With this rating you will see what I mean.
  14. SuperLuigiBro
    Oct 7, 2020
    0
    okay so i got a story to tell one day after getting my ds lite i played sonic rush and my god this is the best sonic game i played the only thing holding it back is the bottom less pits but it's up there with sonic advance 2 and sonic cd
  15. CoreyS.
    May 20, 2006
    9
    It may be short but Sonic Rush has a suprising amount of replay value. This may be the fastest 2-D sonic game yet.
  16. MarkK.
    Oct 6, 2007
    9
    The best Sonic Team have done in years! A must for any sonic fan.
  17. Giorgio
    Jan 6, 2007
    8
    It's sonic. It's fast. It's colourful. It's fun to play! A high-level platform game to add to the DS list. The levels are huge, even if their number is small. 3D bosses are a nice addition, too.
  18. ElliottM.
    Jan 30, 2006
    9
    Combine Ingenius Sonic Level design with all the flair with a simple (Very simple) combo system and you have sonic rush. Definately sonics fastest and most insane adventure yet. Sure it's short for this day, but with 8l evels (and bonus stages), it is just as long as any other sonic fan. This game demonstrates an excellent concept, and should make a worthy addition to any DS library.
  19. NatsuriI.
    Jan 16, 2007
    9
    Three words: Get this game! Sure, there are some hard points where you may take a spill, but the learning curve and difficulty, plus the storyline, makes it all negligible. The only thing missing are the original voice actors. (i.e., Jaleel White)
  20. GioD
    Mar 21, 2008
    10
    Hands down this is the finest Sonic game yet and i take nothing away from the AWESOME gameboy advance Sonic's 1-3. Sonic Rush brings back EVERYTHING that was great about a Sonic game in the first place. Fantastic graphics, a really great soundtrack, multiple missions, and ofcourse blazingly fast speed. Its good to know that even though Sega has messed up Sonic in the past with someHands down this is the finest Sonic game yet and i take nothing away from the AWESOME gameboy advance Sonic's 1-3. Sonic Rush brings back EVERYTHING that was great about a Sonic game in the first place. Fantastic graphics, a really great soundtrack, multiple missions, and ofcourse blazingly fast speed. Its good to know that even though Sega has messed up Sonic in the past with some medicore to moderate games, they can still produce an extremely fun and amazingly polished Sonic game. It's good to have you back in all of your original glory… Expand
  21. TonyG.
    Dec 3, 2005
    9
    super fast!! feels like big dose of speed! fixed alot of prevois probs with common sonic level design, spike placement ect. great job! can't wait for part 2! one of the best sonic games to date.
  22. TylerA.
    Jan 2, 2006
    9
    This game was great, it had good speed, sound graphics and soundtrack. The only bad things are the special stages, the touch screen control can be annoying, and the game is too short, I got the game for Christmas and didnt start playing till the 26th and I finished it on the 29th. Still its worth a try.
  23. CameronC.
    Apr 28, 2006
    8
    A crisp start for Sonic on the DS, and a refresher from the last of the Advance Sonic games. Great graphics, good level design, and a usual perfect choice of music. This is a flawless Sonic game, except i was hoping that with all of those emeralds to collect, you would get to control Hyper Sonic once again.
  24. Arlantaniar
    Jan 14, 2007
    10
    The best 2D game from SonicTeam. Music is perfect, levels are interesting, Bosses are hardly-defeating, even subject is good! (I mean, this story is interesting). This game shows, that Sonic team still have a great talant... and the grows up in it with every game!
  25. Zaid
    Nov 21, 2005
    9
    one of the best Sonic games since SOnic and Knuckles. actually no... besides the original SA, the best Sonic game since sonic and knuckles. Don't believe the haters, this is astounding.
  26. Phishor
    Dec 24, 2005
    9
    Great game. I particularly like the extra moves they've added, it adds another layer of skill to the game. Actually, this is best fast paced action game I've ever played. I do have one complaint though, I finished it too quickly. I guess my old skills from the other Sonic games carried over. So I found Sonic Rush to be just a bit short. It's still just as long as any other Great game. I particularly like the extra moves they've added, it adds another layer of skill to the game. Actually, this is best fast paced action game I've ever played. I do have one complaint though, I finished it too quickly. I guess my old skills from the other Sonic games carried over. So I found Sonic Rush to be just a bit short. It's still just as long as any other Sonic game, but that's too short for someone like me...… Expand
  27. Tony
    Dec 29, 2005
    9
    A must have DS game. an incredibly well put together soundtrack, with great sound quality. I have always played sonic for the sheer speed of the game that no other 2d platformers had, and this one did not disappoint.
  28. JL
    Nov 25, 2005
    9
    One of the better recently made Sonic Games. The sound track is awesome. 3d graphics great. Nice level design, but some what horrible enemy placement. A refreshing game for DS. Thank you Sega.
  29. andrewrox
    Dec 16, 2012
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Worth the buy....it could be tricky in some parts but it's a fun game and who doesn't like beating eggman a million times:)...fun game and you can play as sonic or blaze and have different endings… Expand
  30. DiscoDiva
    Jan 18, 2013
    9
    Overall, this is a great game and probably the best of the franchise, The levels and are fun, fast and free with so many different paths to sure and use against people on Multiplayer and both characters playble have a good unique skill set. Music is funky and super cool. Graphics are energitic and perfect for a DS game and the boss fights are amazing! You would even feel like beating theOverall, this is a great game and probably the best of the franchise, The levels and are fun, fast and free with so many different paths to sure and use against people on Multiplayer and both characters playble have a good unique skill set. Music is funky and super cool. Graphics are energitic and perfect for a DS game and the boss fights are amazing! You would even feel like beating the game with new scored over and over again and it dosent get boring. Even listining to sound clips are fun and the story is simple and compelling. The only things that went wrong was a huge lack of touch screen for a DS game and there is less thinking and platform. Maybe some extra types of levels other than fast stages would be better as well.… Expand
  31. MrSonicFan
    Jan 19, 2014
    8
    Sonic Rush is a great Sonic title by Dimps, It's great fun to go blasting though the levels while boosting, and it is a fun challenge to see how far you can go without running out of boost energy. The only problem I have with the gameplay is how Sonic and Blaze's play exactly the same and how their zones are exactly the same just in a different order.

    The story is basically the typical    Sonic Rush is a great Sonic title by Dimps, It's great fun to go blasting though the levels while boosting, and it is a fun challenge to see how far you can go without running out of boost energy. The only problem I have with the gameplay is how Sonic and Blaze's play exactly the same and how their zones are exactly the same just in a different order.

    The story is basically the typical Sonic story. Dr. Eggman is evil. Go stop him. Nothing really worth talking about.

    Graphically the game is great. With the very nice looking 2D backgrounds and stages. Sonic and Blaze's 3D models are decent as well. The bosses, which are also 3D models, are also passable.

    The soundtrack is phenomenal. Done by Hideki Naganuma, famous for his work on Jet Set Radio. He brings a soundtrack that is very different from any other soundtrack in the series. Which no game in the series has been able to replicate. The soundtrack is made up of most made up of techno and it sounds amazing. It's very up-beat and catchy. Sound Effects are nothing special. And the voice clips work well enough.

    Overall a great entry into the Sonic franchise, with it's fun gameplay, great graphics, and phenomenal soundtrack. I recommend it to anyone.

    OVERALL-
    8/10    … Expand
  32. rhaynes7
    Dec 17, 2013
    9
    Sonic Rush introduces a new style of play to 2-D Sonic games, and I for one, really enjoyed the outcome. The goal is the same, but the way you go about reaching the goal has changed. Often, it's hard to get Sonic rolling, and all these enemies in the way made it a challenge to do so. DIMPS had the marvelous idea of adding a boost mechanic in which Sonic can tear through just about anySonic Rush introduces a new style of play to 2-D Sonic games, and I for one, really enjoyed the outcome. The goal is the same, but the way you go about reaching the goal has changed. Often, it's hard to get Sonic rolling, and all these enemies in the way made it a challenge to do so. DIMPS had the marvelous idea of adding a boost mechanic in which Sonic can tear through just about any obstacle with the touch of the button and accelerate to greater speeds.

    One would worry that this would create an imbalance in the gameplay. All you would have to do is hit the boost button through the level. To cover for that problem, the trick system was implemented, which has you using the hang time from bumpers and ramps into moments where you're frantically hitting the trick button, which so also happens to be the boost button. You'll find yourself budgeting how much time you have before you hit the ground before you can blast off in a frenzy. Sometimes, it's a danger, and you must carefully finish your tricks before landing, cause otherwise, you may send yourself to your death. The game is smart in forcing the player to think about when to use the boost and when not to. Those that try to just blast through every obstacle will fall right into every trap that this game has to offer.

    Figuring out the most efficient paths and how to effectively use the new boost mechanic leaves you on your toes trying to move faster, yet smarter. The game's worlds are enormous and make good use of the 2 screens. Blaze enhances the game slightly by allowing for a different play style as well.

    Overall, I enjoyed the change in pacing for Sonic. A great way to modernize the 2-D style of gameplay, and full of frantic fun.    … Expand
  33. Mr-X
    Apr 13, 2014
    10
    This is the best Dimps Sonic game. I can easily pick up my 3DS and play this game and have a good time doing so. If you want the final story, then play as Blaze. I don't do so since the running animation feels weird, and she is much slower.
  34. EpicLadySponge
    Jan 3, 2017
    8
    Sonic Rush definitely brings in the DS some attention for the hedgehog. It should be worth noting here that Sonic Rush brings disadvantages to the hedgehog, but some of them could hardly be beaten by their advantages.
  35. GamecubeLover
    Jul 21, 2016
    10
    A year before...that 2006 mess came out we had THIS game! A fast paced platformer with great characters and great gameplay. Try sonic rush and you may love it.
  36. FilemonBR
    Aug 31, 2016
    8
    O melhor jogo do sonic no nintendo ds, trouxe a blaze para o portatil, graficos bons para o console, infelizmente a sua continuação nao foi tao boa assim...
  37. shadowhedgehog
    Oct 3, 2016
    9
    a very enjoyable game the introduction of blaze the cat is great this game makes sonic go fast which is what you want from a sonic game with different versions of zones and music for each character this is a great sonic game to play
  38. Sanic8mehfridge
    Oct 14, 2016
    8
    Quite a good game, but I recommend playing this first before playing the DS version of Sonic Colours.

    Sounds, looks and plays wonderfully! One thing a get annoyed with though is when you get a game over, you go back to the title screen. Games in the older days had this, but this game kind of does it in an inappropriate way.
  39. Kingofdanerds
    Nov 10, 2016
    8
    Sonic Rush was one of the first Sonic games for DS. This was the time when DS was still in its infancy. I compare this to playing the original Sonic but better by 1,000,000. Best Sonic game on a Legacy platform. 8/10
  40. MrTacoBob
    Aug 30, 2017
    9
    Sonic Rush is a semi 3D game but the gameplay is classic sonic with new gimmicks that work out perfectly in game. It introduces amazing characters with a decent story. In my opinion a bit better then all the Sonic Advance games.
  41. Jeppe_HN
    Feb 12, 2018
    10
    "92% The Best Sonic Game Ever". The european box art says itself and it was right
  42. matevip
    Mar 26, 2020
    10
    This is in my opinion one of the best Sonic games, fast, fun and with amazing graphics for the DS, as well as one of the most up-beat soundtracks I've ever heard, overall, it's almost a masterpiece.
  43. BRUHMOMENTS
    Sep 16, 2019
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I think the whole composition of the game is great. With a few tweaks here and there, this could have been a perfect game! Great gameplay, graphics *for the time*, and might I add one of the most KILLER soundtracks to a Sonic game I have ever heard.… Expand
  44. Mutty99
    Jan 17, 2021
    10
    This was my first Sonic title, and one of my first DS games as well. A must-play for sure; the ost is very unique as well, and the level design is over the top in every single stage. True classic!
  45. spencerplewe
    Oct 3, 2022
    7
    The majority of the gameplay is actually quite fun and thoroughly replayable. The dual screen split did not irk me at all, and this was cruising on its way to being one of my favorite DS games. Unfortunately, Sonic and Blaze’s final bosses are on a whole different level. After many, many tries, and even eventually beating Sonic’s, Blaze’s final boss is just plain unfair, and I couldn’tThe majority of the gameplay is actually quite fun and thoroughly replayable. The dual screen split did not irk me at all, and this was cruising on its way to being one of my favorite DS games. Unfortunately, Sonic and Blaze’s final bosses are on a whole different level. After many, many tries, and even eventually beating Sonic’s, Blaze’s final boss is just plain unfair, and I couldn’t stomach it anymore.… Expand
  46. CT2
    Apr 3, 2020
    7
    A good game with its own identity. You can go fast, do tricks, and play as Blaze:) However, I have have the feeling that this game is incomplete. Although this game is long enough to be a solid game it just doesn't give enough to experience with sonic and blaze.

    The game does have problems. Coming across some of the obstacles. While some were awkward some are really punishing if not seen    A good game with its own identity. You can go fast, do tricks, and play as Blaze:) However, I have have the feeling that this game is incomplete. Although this game is long enough to be a solid game it just doesn't give enough to experience with sonic and blaze.

    The game does have problems. Coming across some of the obstacles. While some were awkward some are really punishing if not seen coming. The boss fights were long and some had really annoying attacks. The story was forgettable and if I had to remember something from it it had characters that doesn't helps the plot.

    Despite all of its problems it's still a fun game but I can't recommend this to beginners.    … Expand
  47. CustardPuff
    Mar 23, 2023
    9
    An incredibly polished and enjoyable take on the typical Sonic formula with some killer music, Sonic Rush is easily the best Sonic game not developed in-house by Sonic Team besides Sonic Mania.
  48. nikitundrik
    Dec 2, 2020
    6
    I did not found this game fun. The level design was not good and bosses are too hard. But the game is not that bad.
  49. tom2tums
    Feb 23, 2021
    2
    So. Grossly. Overrated, thats 3 words to describe this game for you, all it is is sonic and this extremely lifeless new character called blaze running through these bland environments, almost all of them have little colour and most of them look like they are in a generic kiddie adventure flash game, not only that, but the level names are uninspired, Leaf Storm, Seriously? did a natureSo. Grossly. Overrated, thats 3 words to describe this game for you, all it is is sonic and this extremely lifeless new character called blaze running through these bland environments, almost all of them have little colour and most of them look like they are in a generic kiddie adventure flash game, not only that, but the level names are uninspired, Leaf Storm, Seriously? did a nature enthusiast name these levels? this game is one of the most overrated, uninspired games out there, but no, BEST SONIC GAME EVUH! according to literally everyone in the critics section… Expand
  50. Moxiberry
    Jul 5, 2021
    8
    It's a really fun game with good stage mechanics, and the game dose have a lot of bottomless pits but I can really look past that with the fun gameplay!
  51. E102Gamma
    Nov 15, 2021
    8
    Sonic Rush is the very last piece I added to my Sonic the Hedgehog DS library and it is considered, by many, to be the best the series has to offer on the console. It is fun, challenging, but above all else, balanced. The only major flaws this game suffers from are view distance, cheap enemy placement and excessive bottomless pits but these issues never reach the same extremes as theSonic Rush is the very last piece I added to my Sonic the Hedgehog DS library and it is considered, by many, to be the best the series has to offer on the console. It is fun, challenging, but above all else, balanced. The only major flaws this game suffers from are view distance, cheap enemy placement and excessive bottomless pits but these issues never reach the same extremes as the Advance games. The bosses, one of the most consistently poor sections in the series, are genuinely challenging. Sometimes a little too challenging.

    Sonic Rush follows a significantly streamlined story compared to its predecessors. It focuses on only two characters meaning two campaigns. Sonic the Hedgehog and the newcomer Blaze the Cat. Both are identical with control and play the same levels. This was a negative against Sonic Heroes but that was because the game required four playthroughs and that game play wasn't very good to begin with. Sonic Rush is among the few Sonic games I would highly recommend but it isn't my favorite as there are two on this website that I believe surpass it.    … Expand
  52. ROTSA2
    Sep 13, 2022
    9
    89%

    You won’t always crave this game, but it's fun, has detailed level design, a simple but intriguing story, and it introduces one of the series's best characters, Blaze the Cat.
  53. Smg7
    Jun 29, 2023
    7
    Cool game, a good introduction to the boost formula, the controls feel nice and fluid. Some stages are fun, but some are painfully annoying (altitude limit, night carnival) the instant death pits get annoying.

    The boss fights are cool i guess, but sometimes unfairly hard.

    I enjoyed my time with the game for the most part
  54. MetalReviewer
    Mar 7, 2022
    5
    Bland, outdated, and lacking any of the style or substance from Sonic's later boost titles. Aside from one or two good songs from the soundtrack, this one's a straight pass.
  55. Rayman3fan
    Mar 10, 2022
    9
    sonic rush is a great start for boost era but it's not 3d sonic unleashed is best extension of that.
  56. segapop
    Mar 8, 2022
    8
    This is my favorite sonic game, but it does have a couple of flaws, one of them being altitude limit. This is one of the worst sonic levels. This level was frustrating and has too many bottomless pits and it's kinda hard to tell if there's a bottomless pit because of the ds screen but also because there's clouds at the bottom, making it even harder. Another problem is the boss fights. TheThis is my favorite sonic game, but it does have a couple of flaws, one of them being altitude limit. This is one of the worst sonic levels. This level was frustrating and has too many bottomless pits and it's kinda hard to tell if there's a bottomless pit because of the ds screen but also because there's clouds at the bottom, making it even harder. Another problem is the boss fights. The boss fights are literally waiting games and the whole selling point of the game is for you to go fast, so it's kinda a problem when you have to wait until the boss reveals it's weak point. It takes the bosses a while to reveal their weak point and when you get hit by their attacks, sometimes your rings fall out everywhere and it's hard to get them back. The rest of the game is so good.… Expand
  57. Doom_ak
    Jun 21, 2022
    5
    Playing it on DS is such a headache. Fast jumping between two screens distracts from gameplay. I understand that it's Sonic, but on Sega or PC it was nice to play, but for me it was unplayable
  58. DolphinReviews
    Aug 21, 2022
    7
    I have no nostalgia for Sonic Rush. My first time playing it was this year. After playing it - it was good.
  59. TheDuner13
    Aug 6, 2022
    8
    gooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooood
  60. SonicFan20
    Nov 15, 2022
    8
    Sonic Rush is An amazing Handheld sonic game With bopin music and Great Story. This game introduced "Blaze The Cat" And "The Boost Formula". Gameplay Is Stellar Music Is Fire but A Little Compressed Since its On The DS. If There was anything That I Do Not Like its that Some stages Feel Like You Cannot See what's comming. Mabey if the camera was a bit zoomed out it would be better. Its AnSonic Rush is An amazing Handheld sonic game With bopin music and Great Story. This game introduced "Blaze The Cat" And "The Boost Formula". Gameplay Is Stellar Music Is Fire but A Little Compressed Since its On The DS. If There was anything That I Do Not Like its that Some stages Feel Like You Cannot See what's comming. Mabey if the camera was a bit zoomed out it would be better. Its An 8/10 Very Good!… Expand
  61. Kdog152
    Dec 11, 2022
    9
    I mean, what's not to love about this game. Sonic plays well, Blaze plays well. It's great high speed action, good graphics (not that that matters), has really good level design and trick system, good soundtrack (which it did win a game award for) and has mostly good bosses. It's a great game. It has a decent story and has a good cast of characters. The only criticism I have is theI mean, what's not to love about this game. Sonic plays well, Blaze plays well. It's great high speed action, good graphics (not that that matters), has really good level design and trick system, good soundtrack (which it did win a game award for) and has mostly good bosses. It's a great game. It has a decent story and has a good cast of characters. The only criticism I have is the abundance of bottomless pits which can be really annoying, especially when speed running the levels.
    Good job Sega and Dimps for bringing this great game to us.    … Expand
  62. Handy17
    May 14, 2023
    6
    Sonic rush for me he's amazing he's good, spectacular more like, he's almost not he's impossible, try to get your 6 year old neighbor to play this one, he'll have a brain disorder just touching the special stage bombs but anyway that's it my review: gameplay: great
    characters: great
    Story: amazing
    Willingness to run over an elderly woman because of this game: 100%
  63. BobyRobinson
    Jul 7, 2023
    10
    This game to this day still ages fantastically. It is really just fun and introduced Blaze which is one of the best characters
  64. FeelStar
    Nov 25, 2022
    7
    Sonic Rush is a really good title containing a bunch of very enjoyable aspects mixed with a bit too much poor level design. The game introduces the Boost which gives the game this edge and style that Sonic Advance 2 wishes it had. The game controls very nice and has really appealing graphics with a nice story. The soundtrack however is GOD TIER and ties the whole game together with it'sSonic Rush is a really good title containing a bunch of very enjoyable aspects mixed with a bit too much poor level design. The game introduces the Boost which gives the game this edge and style that Sonic Advance 2 wishes it had. The game controls very nice and has really appealing graphics with a nice story. The soundtrack however is GOD TIER and ties the whole game together with it's style. However while most level design compliments the boost gameplay. too much design also contains the 2d pits that Dimps does too much back in the early 2000s which prevents the title from becoming one of the series' best games. Still, Sonic Rush is a good game that people are bound to love or at least enjoy.… Expand
  65. RIbbotreview
    Feb 17, 2023
    10
    This game is FAST. You will be boosting though enemies, grinding on rails and getting funky to still one of the best osts in video game history ever. PLEASE PLAY THIS ONE HELL OF A GAME
  66. Jimbok3rr178
    Apr 13, 2023
    7
    I think the game is good but sometimes I feel like the levels are bullsh*ting me
  67. JustAGameGuy
    May 14, 2023
    8
    One of, if not THE most underrated Sonic games of all time. With great music, fun bosses, and decent level design, Sonic Rush deserves to be put on a pedestal as a mainline game - because calling every portable game a spin-off is just dumb.

Awards & Rankings

12
#12 Best DS Game of 2005
7
#7 Most Discussed DS Game of 2005
8
#8 Most Shared DS Game of 2005

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
82

Generally favorable reviews - based on 43 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 34 out of 43
  2. Mixed: 9 out of 43
  3. Negative: 0 out of 43
  1. IGN
    90
    An extremely polished DS title. It does a great job offering a fantastic, energetic old-school challenge that keeps the classic gaming style alive.
    Read full review
  2. GameSpot
    82
    Sonic Rush moves Sonic's 2D adventures over to the DS, and that positive trend continues with a platformer that focuses on raw speed while still managing to do interesting new things, particularly when it comes to the handheld's dual-screen format.
    Read full review
  3. NintendoWorldReport
    90
    Sonic Rush is an excellent pick-up-and-play title that's as addictive as any in the series, and has better graphics, sound, and presentation than any title before it.
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »